In 1981 International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee launched the first annual Day of the Imprisoned Writer to recognize and support writers who resist repression of the basic human right to freedom of expression. On this day, observed each year on November 15, we are all encouraged to take action on behalf of these courageous writers in the form of donations, letters of appeal, petitions, vigils, or however you chose to act.

RAPID ACTION NETWORK

14 August 2009

RAN 06/05 - Update # 3

CHINA: Writer and advocate released from prison

RAPID ACTION NETWORK

16 July 2009

RAN 28/09

RUSSIA/CHECHNYA: Human Rights Defender, Natalia Estemirova, Murdered

20 July 2009

Campaign for jailed Uyghur blogger

SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is relaying the petition launched by Chinese writers and intellectuals calling for the release of prominent economist Ilham Tohti, founder of the blog Uyghur Online (http://www.uighurbiz.cn), who was arrested following rioting on 5 July 2009 in Urumqi, capital of the autonomous region of Xinjiang.